MEMORANDUM
Date: May 23, 1977
Subject: Negative Declaration/Section 4(f) Statement
for Independent Bikeway or Walkway Construction Projects
From: Federal Highway Administrator
To: Regional Federal Highway Administrators, Regions l-10, and
Regional Engineer, Region 15
In order to reduce processing time and delays, we have prepared a
negative declaration/Section 4(f) statement and determination (copy
attached) to cover those independent bikeway and pedestrian walkway
projects (FHPM 6-1-l-l) which require the use of recreation and park
areas. This approved document should be distributed to Division Offices
and State highway agencies for their use.
A draft of the negative declaration/Section 4(f) statement was published -
in the Federal Register (42 F.R. 15394) on March 21, 1977, inviting
interested persons to comment. No major adverse comments were
received during this commenting period. The majority of letters received
were favorable and recommended approval of the document.
This environmental document will not relieve the Division Administrator
from reviewing the impacts, mitigation measures, location, and design
of individual bikeways. If there are any unusual circumstances (major
impacts or controversy), a separate Section 4(f) statement and
environmental document (EIS or negative declaration) should be considered
for the individual project. It is likely that most projects which
do not involve Section 4(f) properties would be nonmajor
actions and would not require a formal environmental document.
It is also important to obtain approval from the official having specific
jurisdiction over the Section 4(f) property that the project is
acceptable and consistent with the designated use of the property, and
that the location and design have been accomplished in a manner that
will not cause hafm to the property. A copy of the negative
declaration/Section 4(f) statement, along with the approval letter from
the official, should be placed in the individual project file.
If you have any question concerning the subject document, please
contact the Environmental Review Branch, (202) 426-0106, in the Office
of Environmental Policy.
L. P. Lamm
for William M. Cox
